Wheeling University Men’s Lacrosse Dominates: Two Players Named to GMAC All-Tournament Team!

Wheeling, W. Va. — After a recent exciting matchup during the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) Men’s Lacrosse Championship, Wheeling University made waves with two players earning spots on the All-Tournament team. Senior attack Brenner Chase and senior goalkeeper Austin Hall played pivotal roles, guiding their team to the semifinals for the first time since 2018.

Wheeling entered the tournament as the #4 seed and celebrated its first home playoff game since 2011. They faced the Davenport Panthers, starting strong with a stunning seven-goal streak. By halftime, the Cardinals held a commanding 10-2 lead, but Davenport fought back with six consecutive goals, narrowing the gap. In a tense finish, Wheeling scored two late goals to secure a 12-9 win.

Next, they headed to Seton Hill to face the top-seeded team. Despite a promising start, the game slipped away, ending in a 29-4 loss.

Brenner Chase showcased impressive skills throughout the tournament, netting five goals and assisting on three others. In the quarterfinal against Davenport, he scored four goals in the first half alone and clinched the win with a key goal in the second half. His performance highlighted his consistent role as an offensive leader throughout the season.

On the defensive front, Austin Hall shone as the backbone of the team. He made 45 saves on 83 shots over both playoff games, achieving a save percentage of .542. His standout performance came against Davenport, where he recorded 26 saves, helping to fend off a fierce comeback from the Panthers. In the semifinal, Hall faced 48 shots and made 19 saves, demonstrating resilience despite the challenging loss.

The GMAC recognized 13 players from four different teams, with Seton Hill’s Mark Strunk named Tournament MVP.

The Wheeling University Men’s Lacrosse team now looks forward to the offseason, focusing on growth and preparation for the upcoming 2026 season.

For those interested in lacrosse’s rising popularity, recent statistics show participation in college lacrosse has significantly increased, with a nearly 20% growth over the last five years. This surge reflects the sport’s expanding fanbase and competitive landscape.

For more information on NCAA lacrosse, visit the official NCAA website here.

Source link